A Take on a Life Worth Knowing - Seth Poling

Once upon a time, there were two brothers named Liam and Bayler. Their father, a successful businessman and advocate, was diagnosed with a terminal illness when they were young boys. Despite his illness, their father was determined to leave a legacy for his sons; he instilled in them a love of excellence and a drive to make a significant impact on the world. As the boys grew older, they both became successful in their own right. Liam became a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, while Bayler became a successful humanitarian and human rights lawyer. Despite the limitations; their father's illness placed on their family, the brothers remain determined to make a difference in the world. Liam devoted his career to advancing scientific understanding and making groundbreaking discoveries in physics. Bayler used his legal expertise to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and defend victims of injustice. Through their hard work and dedication, the brothers were able to ac

  As I sit here, reflecting on my nearly decade-long journey living with ALS, I am overwhelmed by the hardship and unimaginable heartbreak accompanying this devastating disease. My family and I were thrown into uncharted territory after being diagnosed, forced to learn everything about ALS alone. We pushed every milestone to the limit, hoping to maintain some sense of normalcy and independence for as long as possible. Looking back, I realize in my desperate attempt to hold onto my old life. I may have pushed myself and those around me too far. I tried to drive for too long, refusing to acknowledge the limitations ALS was placing upon me. I tried to walk for too long, hoping my legs would remain strong. I tried to work for too long, determined to continue contributing to my family's financial stability. I tried to stay home without proper supervision for too long, reluctant to admit that I needed constant care. I tried to eat by mouth for too long, throwing caution to the wind and t

Introduction: Today marks the sixth anniversary of my ALS diagnosis, a milestone that triggers a mixture of emotions within me. As I look back on these past years, it's hard to believe how much changed since that fateful day when my life took an unexpected turn. In this blog post, I want to share my journey- the challenges I faced and the lessons I've learned. A Cruising Start: It all began almost nine years ago during a cruise with my then-girlfriend, now wife of seven years, Erika. The symptoms of ALS manifested themselves, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a carefree and joyful time. Little did I know then that this cruise would mark a life-altering battle that continues to the present. Living with ALS: Living with ALS has encompassed a significant portion of my existence. For a quarter of my life, I have faced the daily challenges and uncertainties brought about by this relentless disease. My wife, Erika, has been my unwavering caregiver, demonstrating love and

  Living with ALS can be challenging, especially when finding ways to entertain oneself. With limited mobility, it can be hard to engage in physical activities, and with the absence of football and basketball, what can one watch to pass the time?   Fortunately, with the power of technology and the internet, there are endless possibilities for entertainment. A strict daily routine has helped me manage my symptoms and maintain my health. However, with periods of downtime, I have become an expert in finding ways to keep myself entertained. With Comcast TV and a web-based application that allows me to control every TV in the house with my eyes, I have become the TV master of the Poling household. So, what do I like to watch? My list of recommendations is a compilation of various streaming services and YouTube channels. Here are some of his favorites: Top Movies The Glass Castle Windfall The Rental Blood & Gold Extraction 2 Super Mario Bros The Movie  Top Shows Florida Man Kaleidescape

In 1997, the West Virginia Young Writers competition saw a remarkable entry from a 3rd-grade student named Seth Poling. Seth's submission was a heartwarming piece about his beloved great-grandfather, Mox Anderegg, who he described as a kind, positive, and loving presence in his life; despite his great-grandfather's illness and the loss of his wife, Mary Anderegg, Seth's great-grandfather remained a source of strength and joy for the entire family. Let's look at Seth Poling's winning entry and celebrate the power of intergenerational love and support. "I would like to write about my grandpa. My grandpa is nice and lonly. He always has a positive adotud! I love him to. As a friend and someone that I can talk to about my problems. He loves it when I come to talk to him. He tries to help me study for tests at school. When I go to the store with my mom he says get me milk, beans, icecream, and icecream cones. When my mom and I come back. He say's to me that I